‪HOUSTON – Marlin Jermaine Beckett and Gia Cooper Beckett have been convicted of tax fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Lucy Cruz, special agent in charge of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

The Becketts are husband and wife tax return preparers. Both were charged in separate, but related cases just last month. According to the factual basis in support of their respective pleas, they each admitted they claimed false business mileage deductions for local clients that fraudulently increased tax refunds by approximately $360,000 for tax years 2006 through 2009.

Just a short time ago, Marlin Beckett entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas, while Gia Beckett pleaded guilty last week. Both are set for sentencing on Sept. 24, 2013, at which time, each faces up to three years in prison and $250,000 fine. The plea agreement also requires that both defendants make full restitution for all of the fraudulent refunds.

The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Sledge Jr. is prosecuting the case.